Special Olympics Founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver
opens the First International Games in 1968 at
Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois, USA, with a
personal pledge to give all individuals with
intellectual disabilities a chance to compete
and a chance to grow.

"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in
the attempt."

Origin of the Athlete Oath

Prior to the first-ever International Special
Olympics Summer Games 20 July 1968, Eunice Kennedy
Shriver discussed the idea of a Special Olympics oath
with Dr. Herb Kramer, then Public Relations Advisor to
the Kennedy Foundation.

Shriver reminisces: "I asked Herb to draft something
so that the athletes would feel good about trying, and
if they were not successful, they wouldn't feel that
they had failed."

Kramer prepared some ideas that Shriver reviewed. She
made the final edit on her way to the Opening Ceremonies
of the first Special Olympics World Games, which were
held in Chicago's Soldier Field, with 1,000 athletes
from 26 U.S. states and Canada competing in athletics,
floor hockey, and aquatics. In front of the many
spectators and visitors, Shriver memorably opened the
first Special Olympics Games with these words:

"In ancient Rome, the gladiators went into the
arena with these words on their lips: 'Let me win,
but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the
attempt.'

"Today, all of you young athletes are in the
arena. Many of you will win, but even more
important, I know you will be brave, and bring
credit to your parents and to your country. Let us
begin the Olympics. Thank you."